By Deborah Sheldon
I hid the stake inside my tuxedo
as he led a woman in the tango,
his hand low on her spine; that silver dress
flashed like her eyes, a romantic tableau.
The orchestra swelled. Priest, I must confess
at being transfixed, as if one possessed,
while viewing the beast draw her close, so tight,
his yearning so lusty, a hot caress.
Too late, I gained my feet in panicked flight
as he bent her back. This creature of night
bit her throat. The crowd screamed, but I – oh, God –
saw her ruby lips open with delight.
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About the Author

DEBORAH SHELDON is a multi-award-winning author and anthology editor from Melbourne, Australia, who writes across the darker spectrum of horror, crime and noir.
Her published fiction includes novels, novellas, short stories, and poetry.
http://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com
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